ST. LOUIS COUNTY (KSDK) - Water main breaks are skyrocketing in St. Louis County, with more than 50 having been reported over the course of the last three days.

American Water says a combination of cold weather and aging pipes played a role in the increase. The company pulls water from the Missouri and Meramec rivers -- and once that water gets colder than 37 degrees, problems starts.

When super cold water passes through older pipes, water main breaks start increasing. Monday alone, the county has had 20 breaks.

Missouri American Water says even the biggest breaks can be repaired in about 12 hours. The company says its spent $100 million over the last two years trying to replace the oldest water pipes.